Samed Abu Farhi sent off after corner-flag celebration against Austria
Abu Farhi scored to make it 1-1 but was shown a second yellow for a corner-flag gesture and dismissed; Austria won 3-1.
Israel forward Samed Abu Farhi was sent off moments after equalising against Austria in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, 2026, after a controversial goal celebration. Austria ultimately won the match 3:1.
Goal, celebration and immediate dismissal
Abu Farhi levelled the score in the 55th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and heading it into the net. His celebration, however, turned the focus away from the strike itself.
After scoring he grabbed a corner flag and made a motion that resembled firing a gun. Referee Georgi Kabakov issued a second yellow card for the action, and Abu Farhi was forced off the field only moments after finding the net.
Israeli media and social platforms reacted quickly. Sport5 ran a headline calling the sending-off "Samed Abu Farhi's dismissal among the dumbest so far." Online comments ranged from supportive to critical: "Nonsense from the referee," "We are a proud nation, the guy imitated billiards," "Everyone hates us, that's why he got a red card, they can't stand us," and simply "Nonsense."
The incident overshadowed Israel's brief return to parity and added a controversial chapter to a match decided 3:1 in Austria's favour.
Photo: press material from the event
